The best walks and hikes around Garden City
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Hiking around Garden City is characterized by coastal paths and trails within state parks. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring beach walks, boardwalks, and routes that circle ponds and pass through maritime forests. The area offers a network of accessible trails suitable for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Garden City
- The most popular hiking route is Surfside Beach to Garden City Beach Walk — Murrells Inlets, a 10.9 mile (17.5 km) trail that takes about 4 hours 20 minutes to complete. This is a moderate coastal walk along the shoreline.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Myrtle Beach State Park to Boardwalk Beach Walk — Myrtle Beach State Park, a moderate 10.2 mile (16.5 km) path. This route combines sections of beach with park trails.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Huntington Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a 3.6 mile (5.8 km) trail leading through a coastal park, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Garden City is defined by sandy beach walks, trails through state parks, and paths near coastal inlets. The network provides a range of options, from short, easy loops to longer shoreline hikes.
- The routes in Garden City are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from 5 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Garden City's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
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The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and Veterans Pier offers a delightful, easy stroll along a wooden boardwalk that hugs a natural saltwater estuary. You'll be treated to continuous views of calm waters, lush marshlands, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife like herons, egrets, and pelicans. The path is flat and even, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely outing where the scenery is the main event, especially as the sun dips below the horizon.
This accessible route is ideal for a quick visit, taking only about 11 minutes to cover its 0.5 miles (0.8 km) with a negligible 1 foot (0 metres) of elevation gain. There are no permits or special considerations needed; just show up and enjoy. It's a fantastic option for families, those with strollers or wheelchairs, or anyone looking for an easy hiking experience without any strenuous effort.
Known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," Murrells Inlet is a vibrant historic fishing village, and the Marshwalk is at its heart. The route is lined with waterfront restaurants and often features live music, creating a lively atmosphere. It's a hub for various activities beyond just walking, including fishing and kayaking, making it a great place to soak in the local culture and marine environment.
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The Huntington Beach Jetty Trail offers a unique coastal experience, blending sandy stretches with paved and rocky sections as you head towards the ocean. You'll be treated to expansive views of the Atlantic and the salt marsh, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, from diverse bird species like herons and ospreys to dolphins swimming near the jetty. It's a gentle, easy stroll, perfect for a relaxing outing.
To hike this trail, you'll need to pay the entrance fee for Huntington Beach State Park, with parking typically found at the north end of the park, requiring a short walk along the beach to reach the jetty. Be mindful of potentially high winds and uneven surfaces near the jetty, and consider an early morning visit for spectacular sunrise views. This trail is family-friendly and accessible for most.
This route is a hotspot for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers, with over 300 species documented in the park. Beyond the birds, you might spot loggerhead sea turtles during nesting season or even alligators basking in the sun near the causeway. The iconic jetty itself provides a peaceful spot to enjoy the crashing waves and offers distant glimpses of Myrtle Beach.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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An easy 2.4-mile loop through a maritime forest in Myrtle Beach State Park, leading to the beach and offering wildlife viewing.
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Hike the 5.4-mile Market Common Trail in Grand Park, a moderate route blending urban views with natural beauty around Grand Lake.
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Popular around Garden City
Tips from the Community
The Myrtle Beach State Park Boardwalk offers scenic ocean views as it winds through marshlands and dunes, connecting visitors to the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Though the boardwalk has little shade, it gives hikers an immersive coastal experience.
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Grand Park has a well-maintained walking and cycling path, along with several baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and a running track. The Grand Park Athletic Complex includes seven large multipurpose fields and two youth fields, all with synthetic grass and lights. There are also exercise stations, lake views, lots of parking, and three towers with restrooms and concessions.
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Grand Park spans over 120 acres and features the serene, man-made Grand Lake, with a paved walking path going around it.
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Myrtle Beach State Park offers serene beaches, lush maritime forests, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy cycling, hiking, and picnicking with ocean views. Ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape in South Carolina’s coastal beauty.
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This park is delightful, boasting a display of three original warplanes serving as a memorial to the US Air force, here from 1954 to 1993. The park is free and worth a visit, especially if you are a military buff.
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The Jetty presents a beautifully paved path that leads you out into the water, providing breathtaking views of the coast and Huntington Beach State Park. The sunset here is particularly spectacular, casting vibrant colors across the water and enhancing the experience.
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Huntington Beach State Park offers picturesque trails that wind through diverse coastal ecosystems, including marshes, forests, and beaches. Keep an eye out for the opportunity to see the abundant wildlife, from a wide variety of bird to alligators, amidst the park's natural beauty.
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Grand Lake is in Grand Park. It has a very nice walking and cycling path around it. The park has several baseball diamonds, playgrounds for kids, a track for running and several other facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many difficult hikes in the Garden City area?
The terrain around Garden City is predominantly flat, so you won't find any strenuous, high-elevation climbs. The trails are generally rated as easy or moderate. For a longer, more challenging walk, you could try the Market Common Trail loop — Grand Park, which covers over 5 miles.
What are the best easy hikes for beginners?
The area is perfect for beginners, with 15 easy trails available. A great option is the Huntington Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina trail. It's a gentle 3.6-mile route through a beautiful coastal park.
Are there any family-friendly trails near Garden City?
Yes, the flat terrain and park trails are ideal for family outings. The Yaupon, Sculptured Oak and Pond Trail loop in Myrtle Beach State Park is a short, easy loop that is perfect for hikers of all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, but rules can vary, especially on beaches and within state parks. Beaches often have seasonal restrictions for dogs. Always check the local regulations for the specific trail you plan to visit and keep your dog on a leash where required.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the hikes?
Hiking around Garden City offers classic coastal scenery. Expect to see long stretches of sandy beach, boardwalks over dunes, trails circling ponds, and paths through maritime forests. The routes are more about serene coastal landscapes than dramatic viewpoints.
Are there any circular walks or loop trails?
Yes, there are several loop trails available. These are great if you want to end your hike where you started without retracing your steps. The trails within Myrtle Beach State Park and Grand Park often feature circular routes.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Garden City?
The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the easy-to-navigate flat terrain and the relaxing atmosphere of the coastal paths and park trails.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls?
Due to the flat, coastal geography of the Garden City area, you will not find any waterfalls on the local hiking trails. The routes focus on beach, forest, and park landscapes.
What is the best time of year to hike in Garden City?
Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot and humid, so if you hike during this time, it's best to go early in the morning. Winter is also a great time for a quiet walk, though it can be chilly.
Are the trails suitable for trail running?
Absolutely. The flat, well-maintained paths, especially those in the state parks and the long stretches of firm sand along the beach, are excellent for trail running. The Surfside Beach to Garden City Beach Walk provides a long, uninterrupted route perfect for a run.
What are the typical trail conditions like?
Most trails are well-maintained and consist of sandy paths, paved walkways, or boardwalks. Beach sections will have soft sand. After heavy rain, some trails in the maritime forests might become muddy, but they are generally accessible year-round.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails?
Some sections of the trails, particularly paved paths within parks like Grand Park or boardwalks near the beach, may be suitable for wheelchairs. However, many trails include sandy or unpaved sections. It is best to check with the specific park authorities for detailed accessibility information before you go.
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